There will likely be no agonizing watch for Jimmie Johnson to make the Daytona 500 this 12 months.
A 12 months after a white-knuckle journey into the sector , the seven-time Cup Collection champion had a neater time in qualifying Wednesday evening for the 67th version of the Nice American Race.
With two assured spots out there on velocity, Johnson claimed one by turning a 180.785 mph lap within the No. 84 Toyota of the Legacy Motor Membership crew that he co-owns.
“After what I went by final 12 months, I’m so thrilled,” Johnson, whose automobile has a sponsor cope with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, informed FS1. “Oh my gosh. Very, very pleased with everyone at Legacy Motor Membership and the trouble they put into this automobile. The evolution wev’e been on from ’24 to now. I’m so very excited. Shaq, we’re within the massive present, buddy. It’s going to be a variety of enjoyable.”
The sector will likely be set for the 67th Daytona 500 in two 60-lap occasions at Daytona Worldwide Speedway.
Johnson is one among 9 drivers in “open” automobiles which are competing for the ultimate 4 spots within the 40-car area. There are 36 spots assured to chartered automobiles.
“What I went by final 12 months was so horrifying and I’m glad I don’t need to undergo it once more. I actually respect this course of and don’t envy the fellows that need to race their means in. It’s so powerful. I’m very proud of my Toyota. I’m very proud of everyone at Legacy Motor Membership. We’ve acquired three automobiles right here which are all fairly quick. It’s a giant enchancment from final 12 months.”
Additionally locking into the sector was 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr., who’s racing the No. 56 Toyota for TRICON Storage after stepping again from racing full time in 2025.
The ultimate two spots will likely be decided in two 60-lap qualifying races Thursday evening with one open automobile making the sector from every race.
“Positively a giant aid,” Truex, who has been reuinted with crew chief Cole Pearn, informed FS1. “You by no means know what can occur within the Duels. They get loopy. One thing on pit street will get you in bother or no matter.
“Nice job by all the fellows. They labored their butts off on this automobile, they usually had been sweating all afternoon. Luckliy we had been capable of put a very good lap in. All the fellows at Tricon, additionally JGR and Toyota. It’s a giant deal for them. Each automobiles locked in are Toyotas so massive evening for them and hopefully we will have some enjoyable the remainder of the week.”
Jimmie Johnson stated he was not blissful when he came upon about NASCAR’s new provisional and that he wouldn’t be eligible for it at Daytona.
Among the many seven drivers nonetheless needing to make the sector is Justin Allgaier within the No. 40 Chevrolet of JRM Motorsports. The 2024 Xfinity Collection champion is attempting to make the Cup Collection debut for the crew co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller.
Allgaier nonetheless may make the sector on velocity if Truex or Johnson have the highest-finishing open automobile in both of the qualifying races Thursday. Corey LaJoie additionally may make the sector on velocity on this state of affairs.
Different drivers attempting to make the sector Thursday: Chandler Smith, Anthony Alfredo, BJ McLeod, JJ Yeley and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.
, Castroneves is assured to make the sector even when he safe a beginning spot Thursday within the qualifying races. In that occasion, the sector can be expanded to a forty first automobile.
